How Do I Get Paid As A Locum Doctor?

“I believe our service sets us apart, ensuring that both our clients (hospitals, clinics and medical practices) and our candidates (consultants, registrars and RMOs) experience speedy and fuss-free processing around getting paid.”

— Hugo Scales - Finance & Payments Manager

Getting paid on time and with the minimum fuss is essential when you are a locum doctor. My role at Prescript Recruitment is to make sure you can concentrate on your locum position and take away any burden with pay administration.

There are four main options when it comes to being paid as a doctor:

1. Paid by the health service directly - on their payroll

2. Paid by the health service directly - via invoice

3. Paid by Prescript’s payroll provider

4. Paid by Prescript directly - via invoice

To some extent, our health service clients (health districts, hospitals and clinics) dictate what process they require when it comes to paying you.

Talk to us when confirming a locum placement and will make sure you have all the information upfront.

---

Paid by the health service directly - on their payroll

1. Health Service - PAYROLL - What to expect

✓ Your hourly or daily rate will be confirmed in advance by Prescript in your Locum Booking Confirmation

✓ Your rate will be confirmed if it is plus super or inclusive

✓ We will confirm the payment process / weekly rhythm with you

✓ Typically you will complete a weekly time-sheet (electronically or sometimes paper-based)

✓ Have the timesheet approved by a Consultant, HoD or Med Admin

✓ Submit online and/or send a copy to me: timesheets@prescript.com.au

ℹ️ Most health services have a pay schedule frequency - I will let you know when to expect to be paid.

ℹ️ If your payment is delayed, I will follow up on your behalf.

ℹ️ Super will be paid to your nominated fund

---

Paid by the health service directly - via invoice

2. health service - INVOICE - WHAT to expect

✓ Your hourly or daily rate will be confirmed in advance by Prescript in your Locum Booking Confirmation

✓ We will ask you about your current business structure - company, trust, partnership, sole trader?

✓ We will check it meets the health service requirements ℹ️ please note that most health services prefer to receive invoices if your business structure is a Company (Pty Ltd) or in some instances a Trust

✓ You may need to provide evidence of your business insurance for the health service to review in advance e.g. Public and Products Liability (in your business structure name) + Professional Indemnity Insurance + Workers compensation insurance or Income protection

✓ If requested, I can share invoice templates that can be used, plus we offer the service of drafting your invoices before sending them to the health service

✓ Timesheets may be required to accompany your invoices, again Prescript will confirm the process / weekly rhythm with you in advance.

✓ Any tax or super payments are your responsibility (see point below about Sole Trader invoices)

✓ Emails for invoices & timesheets: finance@prescript.com.au

ℹ️ Prescript cannot advise which business structure you should choose, but we can share the health service requirements. We recommend you talk to your tax, business or legal adviser.

ℹ️ Prescript cannot provide business insurance advice, but we can share the health service requirements. Typically, we see the following requested:

Public and Products Liability
• for at least $20,000,000 for each individual claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence
• public & product liability insurances are issued in the name of your business structure, not in your personal name.
• Must be purchased by the business (or contractor) and the business must advise who is working in the practice and the nature of the healthcare provided

Professional Indemnity Insurance
• for at least $10,000,000, for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence
• provided to individuals (will be in your name as a doctor)

Workers compensation insurance or Income protection
• (this may be included in your standard medical indemnity coverage)

ℹ️ Some health services will accept invoices from a Sole Trader. There can be tax and super obligations for the health service when you invoice as a sole trader – for example, you may be an employee for superannuation guarantee purposes. This means your daily rate will include super and be witheld.

---

Paid by Prescript’s payroll provider

3. PRESCRIPT’S PAYROLL SERVICE - WHAT to expect

✓ Your hourly or daily rate details (and whether the super is inclusive or exclusive),  will be confirmed in advance by Prescript

✓ Payment will be via one of Prescript’s official payroll partners

✓ Salary packaging options available

✓ They are experts in paying doctors

✓ Insurances provided: Public and Products Liability, Professional Indemnity Insurance and Workers compensation insurance          

✓ We, along with our payroll partners, will guide you through the process / rhythm of being paid correctly and promptly.

✓ Typically you will complete a weekly timesheet and have it approved by a Consultant, HoD or Med Admin

✓ Please email your timesheet to timesheets@prescript.com.au by Tuesday at 10 am to be paid by Friday

---

Paid by Prescript directly - via invoice

4.INVOICE to prescript - WHAT to expect

✓ Your hourly or daily rate will be confirmed in advance by Prescript in your Locum Booking Confirmation

✓ The rate will be + GST

✓ Any tax or super payments are your responsibility.

✓ I will confirm the process / weekly rhythm with you in advance

✓ I will ask you about your current business structure

✓ Please note that only a Company - Pty Ltd or a Trust can invoice Prescript directly

✓ You will need to provide evidence of business insurance: Public and Products Liability (in your business structure name) + Professional Indemnity Insurance + Workers compensation insurance or Income protection

✓ If requested, we can share an invoice template that can be used, plus we offer an invoice drafting service before sending them to you for review

✓ Timesheets may be required to accompany your invoices, again Prescript will confirm the process / weekly rhythm with you in advance.

✓ Emails for invoices & timesheets: finance@prescript.com.au

ℹ️ Prescript will need to receive copies of the following insurance:

Public and Products Liability
• for at least $20,000,000 for each individual claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence
• public & product liability insurances are issued in the name of your business structure, not in your personal name.
• Must be purchased by the business (or contractor) and the business must advise who is working in the practice and the nature of the healthcare provided

Professional Indemnity Insurance
• for at least $10,000,000, for any one claim or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence
• provided to individuals (will be in your name as a doctor)

Workers compensation insurance or Income protection
• (this may be included in your standard medical indemnity coverage)

ℹ️ Prescript does not pay invoices from business structures that are Sole Trader, Partnership or some Trusts. If this is applicable to you, you can choose instead to use our payroll partner.

---

The above is not an exhaustive list, for example, we have not gone through VMoney for NSW Health VMOs. The best thing to do is to talk to your Prescript Recruitment Partner or me about the payment options for your locum position. We are here to help.

---

FAQ

Please note: Prescript cannot provide any financial advice, or advice on business structure, insurances, tax or super.

FAQ - WHAT INSURANCES DO I NEED?

We always recommend that you obtain your own advice about appropriate medical indemnity cover from an insurance provider.

If you are using a business structure for invoicing a health service (or Prescript) directly, you may be asked to provide evidence of Public and Products Liability + Professional Indemnity Insurance + Workers compensation insurance or Income protection. Again, get advice so you have the right protection in place.

FAQ - CAN I INVOICE AS A SOLE TRADER?

Prescript cannot provide any advice on a business structure. We can pass on the requirements of health services we work with, and many prefer to deal only with a Company - Pty Ltd or a Trust. This means for locum positions at those clients, invoicing as a sole trader is not an option.

Some health services will accept invoices from a Sole Trader (this is becoming less available). There can be tax and super obligations for the health service when you invoice as a sole trader – for example, you may be an employee for superannuation guarantee purposes. This means your daily or hourly rate may be inclusive of super.

FAQ - I AM VISITING FROM OVERSEAS - DO I NEED AN AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS STRUCTURE?

If you are working in Australia for no more than 183 days // 6 months of any given 12 month period you will most likely be able to invoice using your overseas registered business.

Insurance coverage will need to be confirmed in accordance with the health service you are providing the service to.

An example is that sometimes Australian/NZ trained doctors living overseas decide to do a one-off locum. They can fill in a “Statement by a supplier not quoting an ABN” form from the ATO, and this means you can locum with less of a bureaucratic burden.

Temporary ABN waivers need to be approved by health services in advance (ask first!) and you may need to provide an accompanying letter from your accountant saying you are meeting your tax obligations in your country of residence.

---

About Hugo Scales

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Prescript's Finance and Payments Manager and work with the team, our health services and doctors to ensure invoicing, billing, and financial administration runs effectively for all parties involved.

I ensure doctors are paid correctly and promptly, always happy to answer your questions and talk through the variety of different payment methods available. I also maintain a close working relationship with our valued clients and guarantee smooth processes are in place with their various procedures and requirements for settling accounts.

Relationships and rapport are not just a healthy way of doing life; they are critical to my functionality in making what we provide, and those we provide it to, rewarding and sustaining!

I wasn't always in finance! I went from Year 12, and too many school theatre productions at the expense of grades, into four years of theatre arts study. This dream of being a jobbing actor, if not a hugely successful superstar, guaranteed me intimate knowledge and skills in the world of waitering, bartending and odd jobs for the next ten years. Oh, and some acting gigs just to keep me hungry, literally and creatively. This career did get me to the USA, where I ultimately transferred to behind the scenes as a Film Production Coordinator in Los Angeles.

Returning to the relatively normal world of Sydney 10 years later, I became involved in finance, sales and bookkeeping. Small, more personal concierge services like Prescript Recruitment suit me by far the most.

So I bring some of the personality traits of what was a semi-public life into the areas of work I now inhabit. I believe my open, or not too guarded, demeanour instils trust and confidence in most folks I deal with.

I look forward to working the Prescript magic for the many doctors, hospitals and clinics I have yet to meet and help!

There are three ways to contact Hugo:

1. Call Hugo on 1300 755 498

2. Email hugo@prescript.com.au

3. Click to ‘Connect with Prescript’

Connect With Prescript

---

“Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.”

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

1. Call 1300 755 498

2. Email contact@prescript.com.au

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

Connect With Prescript

We’d love to hear from you!

“We’re known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”

Inside Story: Dr Verma’s Tailored GP Locum Experience

About Dr Verma:

Dr Verma owns his own rural general practice and wanted to locum on weekends, both to increase his income plus help regional & remote areas have access to healthcare.

He’s limited to just working weekends, must prioritise the highest rate he can get, travels with his family, and is geographically limited to working within driving distance from his practice.

Max Drakeley, Prescript’s GP recruitment partner, said “we understood the critical requirement for Dr Verma to find locum work and recognised he is an excellent doctor with a niche skillset who could have a hugely beneficial impact on the nearby communities around him.”

What Max Did Next:

➞ He first discussed his skills and expertise and explored exactly what Dr Verma could offer, the limits he could drive to, and the type of work he was interested in.

➞ Then Max mapped out his availability, systematically approached the health services who met his criteria and could use his assistance, negotiated rates and personal terms, and managed the relationship with his onboarding and continued work.

➞ Now Max receives calls every week from these health services, checking when Dr Verma is next available. Prescript has a list of his priorities and requirements that Max works through and the professional understanding to totally manage his weekend roster without needing to disturb him during his busy working week.

Outcome:

➞ Max has successfully helped Dr Verma with over 30 locum positions across multiple health services and regional locations!

➞ Dr Verma trusts Prescript to place him where he is needed the most, and Prescript’s clients love him for filling shifts before they need to advertise. It’s exactly how healthcare recruitment should be done!

Prescript’s Tailored Locum Service:

Prescript Recruitment understands that every doctor is an individual, who should be communicated with and represented in a personal and tailored manner. Prescript focuses only on each doctor’s availability and work preferences – and then provides a bespoke service to find the best locum positions.

Max said “In my experience of working at other agencies, where advertised vacancies are prioritised, I found it frustrating not being able to provide a quality, tailored service to doctors. Doctors, in turn, were frustrated receiving a large number of jobs a day that did not meet their criteria or were not relevant to the sub-specialty they were working within.

As a recruiter, the only way you can provide health services with suitable doctors is by having a great understanding of their expertise and personal circumstances. That means, from when you first enquire with Prescript, you will have just one specialist recruitment partner throughout your time with us. We will take the time to explore your interests, better understand what you are looking for, and remember and record our conversations!”

“Prescript is known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”

— Inside Story

---

About Max Drakeley

Max Drakeley is Prescript's Recruitment Partner for locum and permanent GP & ED positions across Australia. His genuine interest, passion and knowledge within the hospital and healthcare industry mean he is able to provide a highly tailored service to doctors and health services.

Max has an exceptional ability to listen, absorb and understand the needs of others, allowing him to place doctors in positions that perfectly suit their requirements. He's trusted for supplying health services with well informed and competent doctors, so they can operate at a higher capacity and under less stress.

When not providing solutions to doctors and communities Australia-wide, Max loves to cook and spend time with his dog, Monty, at his home on the Mornington Peninsula. Max is a science nerd at heart and also spends his spare time as an editor and author for a cutting-edge Biology magazine for year-12 and undergraduate students.

There are three ways to contact Max:

1. Call Max on 0451 828 615

2. Email max@prescript.com.au

3. Click to ‘Connect with Prescript’

Connect With Prescript

---

“Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.”

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

1. Call 1300 755 498

2. Email contact@prescript.com.au

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

Connect With Prescript

We’d love to hear from you!

“We’re known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”

Global FRCR Teleradiologist - 5 Minutes With James Hill

We speak to Prescript Recruitment’s James Hill about how a global teleradiology position doesn’t mean giving up on NHS experience and why working from home is still so popular post-covid.

You look after opportunities for FRCR Consultant Radiologists. What types of teleradiology positions are currently available?

Radiologists are seeking more career choices and an environment to work comfortably from home post-COVID-19. We specialise in teleradiology positions globally. UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Israel, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. We focus predominately on lifestyle roles, featuring a high degree of flexibility with hours and locations.

Our most popular teleradiology positions are full-time and UK & Ireland based, where a radiologist can fit work in around their family commitments and home life. Spreading the hours to suit them enables radiologists to spend time how they see fit. It could mean working in the morning and evening but being available for school drop-offs, pick-ups, or appointments during the day.

Another popular option is to take their UK and Irish experience but move to another country. Radiologists tell us where they want to be, and we will see if we can make it happen. In some countries, we can organise sponsorship; in other countries, radiologists may already have a right to work. Why is this popular? With international travel restrictions lifted, now is the time to be closer to family abroad or experience a different culture. You also don’t lose that tie to UK & Irish health systems.

How has COVID affected teleradiology and what are some of the things radiologists should consider when embarking on a teleradiology role?

Teleradiology is a work model that has boomed since COVID-19. This is mainly influenced by a significant increase in demand from health services and a recognition that working from home is now a widely accepted and a positive for productivity and career satisfaction.

The popularity of teleradiology among radiologists has meant vacancies are very competitive, and applicants should consider being in a position to move quickly on a role they like. I suggest establishing a relationship with a recruitment partner/consultant and letting them guide you through the process.

Other things to consider:

✓ What hours can be offered? Preference is for full-time, spread out over a month.

✓ How strong is the internet connection?

What makes teleradiology so attractive?

Flexibility. As long as there is an excellent internet connection, radiologists can work from anywhere in the world (caveat is subject to visa requirements!). The need for routine and some emergency reporting is 24/7, which means radiologists can choose daylight hours from a country of choice. 

I live in Adelaide, South Australia and have family in the UK, the USA, Central America and South America. I know I am not alone in having a global family with competing demands in a limited time. Wouldn’t it be amazing to work in the UK or the Americas for a while?

That is what makes teleradiology a powerful and exciting option. Radiologists can plan time in one or more locations, have stability with income, spend time with family and keep up the NHS reporting experience.

What about the impact on long-term career goals? Is teleradiology a good choice, and why?

Choosing to work as a full-time FRCR teleradiologist does not mean compromising career goals. Working from home is not working alone. Choose the suitable organisation to work for, and there will be incredible support from Clinical Directors, an operations team, peer reviews and CPD. A strong culture where you feel valued is essential. Whether the location is Inverness or Invercargill; working at home or from a reporting centre, it needs to be there.

Being a teleradiologist will involve reporting general radiology cases across all modalities, plus urgent emergency cases. Talk to us about what is essential, and we can tailor options to suit a skillset e.g.

✓ Maintain NHS experience

✓ Reporting for health services in Ireland. 

✓ Case split of routine (with a skew towards oncology) vs emergency and trauma cases.

How can FRCR radiologists keep informed about teleradiology opportunities?

There are a couple of ways. They can add me on LinkedIn, where we post frequent updates on UK/Ireland and global roles, or we can send them tailored options. I can be contacted directly via phone or email, plus I will be in the UK at different points in 2022 to meet in person. I love helping radiologists make the change into teleradiology. My job is to create something that feels like a radical change into a straightforward & easy process!

Prescript Recruitment

James Hill

Founder / Recruitment Partner

+61 410 792 310 // james@prescript.com.au

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjameshill

Schedule Appointment with Prescript Recruitment (as.me) 

---

About James Hill

I'm James Hill - a medical recruitment specialist. I am passionate about solving the regional doctor shortage in Australia and global recruitment projects, finding doctors for hospitals and practices across both permanent and locum positions.

As the founder of Prescript Recruitment, I have the practical experience of delivering an exceptional recruitment service with the result that communities everywhere have the healthcare they deserve.

My sixteen years of working with healthcare providers have given me a first-hand insight into the issues they face to attract doctors. Prescript has a successful track record of filling critical and niche doctor roles in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, USA, UAE, UK and Ireland.

Adelaide is home to the Prescript mascot Bonnie, and that is where you can find me. Borders permitting (we are all familiar with this!) I am often hopping on a plane to visit colleagues in Hobart, Sydney, Melbourne and all the remote corners of NSW.

'Impact' is a crucial motivation for the Prescript team and me - we link the work with finding excellent jobs for doctors to our giving goal for people living in poverty overseas. So every time you work with us, great things happen here in regional Australia + also for your medical career + also for those in need of clean water in Ethiopia.

I'd love to hear from you. There are three ways to contact me:

1. Call me on 0410 792 310

2. Email james@prescript.com.au 

3. Or click 'Connect with Prescript’

Connect With Prescript

“I believe for you to partner with the right medical recruitment agency, that reflects your wishes and lifestyle choices, is so important. Prescript’s focus is on what matters most to you, whatever stage of your career, your location or your future plans.”

---

“Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.”

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

1. Call 1300 755 498

2. Email contact@prescript.com.au

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

Connect With Prescript

We’d love to hear from you!

“We’re known for solving the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”

My Adelaide Top Ten For RANZCR ASM 2022

The RANZCR ASM 2022 is going to be in Adelaide - I am very excited to share the best of what Adelaide has to offer with you.

Adelaide is my adopted home city, and I love it. I have been here since late 2019 and think it is a wonderful place to live and work.

If you are attending the ASM, stop by our Prescript booth, and I will share some ideas on things to do & see. I will be joined by my colleagues, Nicola Speer and Rebecca Doyle, who have their own Adelaide highlights to tell you about.

To whet your appetite ahead of October, here is my Adelaide top ten:

1. Art

2. Sunsets

3. Food

4. Wine

5. Fun

6. Friendly STREETS

7. Beaches

8. Nature

9. Culture

10. Wine (it deserves two spots, NO?)

---

1. Art

Visit the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) on North Terrace (a 15-minute walk from the ASM). It is one of my favourite art galleries in Australia mainly for how intimate the rooms feel and how cleverly they mix modern art with the old.

Art Gallery of South Australia - AGSA

They have some incredible exhibitions, including Yayoi Kusama: THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS (see photos below!)

Want to fit the art into your busy schedule? I thoroughly recommend using a pedicab for a tour of the street art. They will give you a great introduction to the Adelaide CBD and its hidden lanes & alleys.

(Top tip: call and see if they will arrange a pick-up from the ASM) EcoCaddy | Adelaide Street Art Green Adventure Tour

2. Sunsets

Who says you must go all the way to Perth to enjoy a sunset over the water? Head to Henley, Grange or Glenelg to enjoy a walk along the beach and spectacular sunset.

Sunsets in the city are quite the sight, too - the grid road system means you are afforded some uninterrupted views.

Near the ASM is Sol Rooftop - book a spot Sôl Rooftop - All Day Destination | Book Now - SkyCity Adelaide (their restaurant next door is excellent, it faces the opposite direction, but you can see the reflection of the sun setting on the Adelaide Hills).

3. Food

This would be a long blog if I talked about all my favourite restaurants and food experiences! So I am going to keep it snappy.

Home - Adelaide Central Market: The City of Adelaide's premier food destination. Over 70 traders under one roof.

This market is a 10-minute walk from the ASM - go there for your breakfast and lunch or find local produce to stock up your hotel room. There are two cheese stalls next to each other in the middle - ask them for a recommendation, and you won't regret it. The last time I was there, I walked away with prunes soaked in a Barossa port to go with stilton - wow!

If you love food, you will love this market. Stop by Si, Sea for a tapas lunch of local oysters and mussels. Pop to Lucia's for hearty pasta and to browse their delicatessen.

Evening meal? These you will need to book ahead:

Restaurant Botanic - this is an exceptional restaurant (book immediately!)

Press* Food & Wine (pressfoodandwine.com.au) - relaunched menu and new chef, great atmosphere and suitable for a group. Try their booths upstairs.

ORSO (orsokensington.com.au) - just out of the CBD. Excellent food and wine list.

AFRICOLA – DOP & CHOP. SHEBEEN and EATING HOUSE. "The Real Makoya". 4 East Tce. Adelaide. South Australia. - a lively atmosphere and an exciting menu. If there are just two of you, ask to sit at the counter overlooking the kitchen.

Peel St Restaurant - an old favourite. I go back to indulge in the chicken blossom salad - please try it!

ShoSho - on King William Road in Unley just out of the CBD. A fun neighbourhood restaurant with fantastic Japanese food.

4. Wine

As we are covering wine twice, this first section can be about places to have a drink in the CBD, all within walking distance of the ASM.

Wine with views:

Sôl Rooftop - All Day Destination | Book Now - SkyCity Adelaide

2KW Bar & Restaurant - 2KW Bar & Restaurant

Merrymaker Rooftop - Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets

Wine with atmosphere:

Clever Little Tailor | Quality Liquor Bar Adelaide

Leigh Street Wine Room

East End Cellars

LA BUVETTE DRINKERY

Leigh Street Luggage - Wine and Cocktail bar

Wine to taste:

National Wine Centre of Australia - this is in the botanic gardens. You are given a card and can try wine from every region - you choose a sip, a pour or a full glass. Cheese boards are available, too - this is perfect for a larger group during the day.

Magill Estate Cellar Door | Penfolds | Penfolds Wines - it is a winery in the city! Enjoy sampling their wines and enjoy the view over the city and out to sea!

5. Fun

There are festivals galore in Adelaide - but you can have your own fun here at any time of the year. Why not:

Hike from the edge of the CBD up to Mt Lofty Summit? You will be rewarded with incredible views (Top tip: you can start the other way around, walk downhill and get an Uber back!) Adventure Trail from Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit | Hike (walkingsa.org.au)

Kayak with dolphins: Home - Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours

Cycle along the River Torrens (or walk from the ASM up to the zoo)

Cruise along the River Torrens! (They have a bar on board) Popeye River Cruises | Explore Adelaide | Buy Tickets Online (thepopeye.com.au)

Visit the pandas Adelaide Zoo - Australian Panda Home

6. Friendly Streets

I do think you will find a warm welcome in Adelaide. Take some time to walk around the CBD, and learn about the history of the buildings. There are some self-guided walking tours you can take Experience Adelaide | Historical Trails

One easy walk (where you can't get lost) is to walk along the length of North Terrace and then loop around Rundle Street & Rundle Mall to get to King William Road, which cuts through the CBD. You will also see the parliament, major museums, libraries, and shopping areas. Plus, you will meet Queen Adelaide face to face at the Adelaide Town Hall | Adelaide Town Hall and see where the Beatles stopped traffic.

7. Beaches

They are long and sandy, and you can walk for miles & miles! The waves are gentle, and some areas are pretty shallow so that you can wade for quite a way.

Glenelg and Henley are the busier spots, but you don’t have to walk too far, either way, to find yourself some peace and quiet. Here are some walks you can do: Self Guided Walks around Adelaide's Beaches (adelaidebeaches.com.au)

8. Nature

Parks surround Adelaide CBD, a buffer to the suburbs. You can explore the new wetlands, take part in tree climbing with ropes, walk through olive groves, visit a Japanese garden Experience Adelaide | Adelaide Himeji Garden, ride horses or play golf.

Experience Adelaide | Adelaide Park Lands

Just a short trip away is the Adelaide Hills. It is excellent for walks and finding villages that blend into their woodland surrounds, such as Stirling (known as a garden village) and Handorf (known for its German heritage).

Stirling - Stirling, Attraction | South Australia

Home - Hahndorf (hahndorfsa.org.au)

9. Culture

Having lived in Sydney for 15 years, the best thing about Adelaide is you can decide to see and do something quite last minute, and it won't be sold out. It will be busy if there is an outdoor event, but you can still get a drink and find a spot to sit. If Sydney felt oversubscribed, Adelaide feels at the 85% mark with capacity (therefore 150% more enjoyable!).

Some cultural options:

Samstag Museum of Art - Connect with UniSA - University of South Australia

Tandanya Home | tandanya

Lunchtime series | Elder Conservatorium of Music | University of Adelaide

What's On - Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (aso.com.au)

Arts & Culture In Adelaide | South Australia

10. More Wine

Plan a day to try some incredible wineries in the Mclaren Vale or the Adelaide Hills. I have only tried a handful, but I am happy to share my favourites so far:

Hugh Hamilton Wines | McLaren Vale, South Australia & Mitolo Wines (you can have lunch at nearby Salopian Inn)

Pike & Joyce - Adelaide Hills Winery & Cellar Door - Lenswood Vineyard – Pike and Joyce Wines (their degustation with matching wines is a fantastic experience)

Shaw And Smith (AUS)

The Lane Vineyard - Home - The Lane Vineyard (book lunch there)

“I hope you have a great trip to Adelaide for the RANZCR ASM. Remember to stop by our Prescript booth to say ‘hello’!”

— James Hill - Founder Prescript Recruitment

---

About James Hill

I'm James Hill - a medical recruitment specialist. I am passionate about solving the regional doctor shortage in Australia and finding doctors for hospitals and practices across both permanent and locum positions.

As the founder of Prescript Recruitment, I have the practical experience of delivering an exceptional recruitment service with the result that communities everywhere have the healthcare they deserve.

My sixteen years of working with healthcare providers have given me a first-hand insight into the issues they face to attract doctors. Prescript has a successful track record of filling critical and niche doctor roles in every State and Territory.

Adelaide is home to the Prescript mascot Bonnie, and that is where you can find me. Borders permitting (we are all familiar with this!) I am often hopping on a plane to visit colleagues in Hobart, Sydney, Melbourne and all the remote corners of NSW.

'Impact' is a crucial motivation for the Prescript team and me - we link the work with finding excellent jobs for doctors to our giving goal for people living in poverty overseas. So every time you work with us, great things happen here in regional Australia + also for your medical career + also for those in need of clean water in Ethiopia.

I'd love to hear from you. There are three ways to contact me:

1. Call me on 0410 792 310

2. Email james@prescript.com.au 

3. Or click 'Connect with Prescript’

Connect With Prescript

“I believe for you to partner with the right medical recruitment agency, that reflects your wishes and lifestyle choices, is so important. Prescript’s focus is on what matters most to you, whatever stage of your career, your location or your future plans.”

---

“Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.”

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

1. Call 1300 755 498

2. Email contact@prescript.com.au

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

Connect With Prescript

We’d love to hear from you!

“We’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”

Welcome Paul Tillman - Senior Recruitment Partner For Non-Specialist Doctors

We are delighted to welcome Paul Tillman to the Prescript Recruitment team! Paul is our Senior Recruitment Partner for non-specialist doctors - focusing on helping doctors find RMO, Registrar and SMO positions across Australia.

“Having worked in medical recruitment for over five years, I have a great understanding of the roles available and the challenges health services face in finding staff for their vacancies. ”

As Prescript’s Recruitment Partner for non-specialist doctors, I am passionate about building close relationships with both the doctors and health services I work with. I always aim to provide a personal and tailored service and will strive to find the best opportunities for doctors based on their needs and goals and, in turn, provide health services with the best fit for the vacancies they have.

Before working in medical recruitment, I was a Registered Nurse in the UK and worked as a Respiratory HDU Nurse for NHS trusts. This means I have a great insight into the challenges of working clinically and always try to consider this in my work.

I am currently studying Nursing again to allow me the opportunity to return to some clinical work in Australia. My family and I moved to Melbourne from the UK over five years ago, and I enjoy travelling and exploring Australia whenever I can, as well as getting back home to visit family in the UK.

My passions are spending time with friends and family, including my dog Ted, eating and drinking out, enjoying the Australian weather (when Melbourne allows) and sports – most of all football (or soccer, as I am often told).

I always have time for a chat and a joke with health services and doctors alike and look forward to building new connections at Prescript.

How To Contact Paul

Paul is based in Prescript’s Melbourne office, near the Docklands and Southern Cross Station. You are welcome to come by for a coffee when you’re near!

Prescript’s Senior Recruitment Partner - Non-Specialist Doctors

0415 075 498 // paul@prescript.com.au

Prescript Recruitment, L2/696 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

 

---

“Every day the team at Prescript is focused on what we do best - helping regional areas find doctors, filling rosters and providing peace of mind.”

Connect With Prescript

---

“Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.”

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

1. Call 1300 755 498

2. Email contact@prescript.com.au

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

Connect With Prescript

We’d love to hear from you!

“We’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”

Welcome Melissa Crane - Prescript Quality Standards (PQS) Manager

We are delighted to welcome Melissa Crane to the Prescript Recruitment team! Melissa is our Prescript Quality Standards (PQS) Manager and is dedicated to providing exceptional service to our doctors, health services and recruitment partners. She brings her client-focused attitude, as well as her previous knowledge of medical credentialing and love of all things administrative and process-driven, to reinforce the quality standards at Prescript.

“PQS gives peace of mind to health services that each Prescript doctor has met a consistent level of checks. Plus doctors can rely on PQS to help their applications stand out, as well as minimise duplication of paperwork.”

— Melissa Crane

“Work smarter not harder” is an affirmation that Melissa likes to apply when it comes to creating new processes that can increase productivity and make our work more efficient and smooth.  Melissa prides herself on being able to build great rapport with clients - great communications skills are crucial to success in her role.

Melissa is originally from Ireland and moved to Australia almost nine years ago, making Melbourne her home away from home. Melissa loves to cook and would gladly have a roast dinner every Sunday if she could. She loves hosting dinner parties and sharing a nice bottle of red with friends. When Melbourne weather allows, she will always take the opportunity to relax at the beach or the park in the sunshine.

How To Contact Melissa Crane

Melissa is based in Prescript’s Melbourne office, near the Docklands and Southern Cross Station. You are welcome to come by for a coffee when you’re near!

Prescript Quality Standards (PQS) Manager

0451 828 615 // melissa@prescript.com.au 

Prescript Recruitment, L2/696 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

 

---

“Every day the team at Prescript is focused on what we do best - helping regional areas find doctors, filling rosters and providing peace of mind.”

Connect With Prescript

---

“Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.”

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

1. Call 1300 755 498

2. Email contact@prescript.com.au

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

Connect With Prescript

We’d love to hear from you!

“We’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”

Doctors With Borders

Did you know doctors are not exempt from interstate travel restrictions? Australia had a doctor shortage in regional areas before COVID, but complicated border restrictions exacerbate this.  

Regional and remote areas rely on locum doctors flying from one side of the country to another to provide specialised medical services. These doctors are confirmed far in advance to secure their time – plane tickets, hotels and motels booked, paperwork and background checklists thoroughly ticked off – most importantly, patients are booked in for the locum doctor to see. 

When interstate border restrictions happen, the doctor cannot go or risks quarantining. Due to the shortage of doctors, there is often no one to replace them at the last minute. You then end up in the situation of that regional community going without the healthcare they deserve.

I understood why it is easier to have blanket rules, especially at the pandemic's beginning. Now it is doing more harm than good. It is dangerous to stop doctors from flying. I am calling for a nuanced approach. Now is the time to allow doctors to fly to where they need to be.

Decision-makers talk about 'keeping us safe', but unseen consequences exist. If these consequences remain unseen and unspoken, then who is held accountable?

I feel in a unique position as a doctor recruitment agency owner to see first-hand the lack of joined-up thinking in Australia with border rules. Prescript Recruitment has a helicopter view of what is happening across every State and Territory. We help fill critical vacancies. We see each day how well-meaning rules to protect us are making people sick.

Let me share a typical day for the Prescript team working from home:

ABC News 24 on in the background

Morning team zoom meeting "We're expecting a government press conference at 11"

We regroup at Midday to digest the latest news.

What action do we need to take?

➞ Which locum doctors can't go to where Prescript booked them?

➞ Which locum doctors can't get home from where they are working currently?

➞ What help can we provide in replacing a locum doctor for a hospital?

➞ Can a doctor race across a border right now before the roadblocks are in place?

➞ Due to uncertainty, which doctors have to cancel their future booked locum positions?

The news channel announces another rule change from another state or territory.

We regroup to digest the latest news.

We action 1 to 5 again.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

This isn't about the impact on Prescript, but it paints a picture of the chaos caused by a border closure. Imagine the hundreds of patients having appointments cancelled behind every locum doctor cancellation. You might not even know, as a patient, you have missed out on doctors services. Is the delay you experienced to see a specialist expected or the direct result of a doctor trapped on the wrong side of a border?

In just the last few days, WA putting restrictions on doctors travelling has meant cities (we are not talking remote) have to go without certain specialist coverage. Is the consequence of that quantifiable?

Something that I can see that won't appear on any report is all the missed opportunities. Uncertainty with borders makes doctors hesitant to put their hands up for locum work. There have been so many false starts that it makes sense for a doctor to stick closer to home. Why risk a trip to a remote part of Australia when you might lose that income or lose that chance to help? We can never know all the good that hasn't happened – these are the locum positions that were not cancelled but never even started—missed opportunities for patients and communities.

What is the solution? I believe the federal, state and territory governments can make doctors the exception that proves the rule. Doctors who are double vaccinated, boosted and willing to fly should be allowed to. Time to move away from black & white and find the grey in-between – it is in the grey that we will see better healthcare.

To be clear – there must still be rules. Remember, though, that there are always rules for locum doctors. The paperwork for a locum position in regular times could make your toes curl – credentialing, qualification checks, police reports, references, immunisation history (this bit is nothing to do with COVID vaccine – it's all the other immunisations doctors have to prove). The point is that if you are going to let any section of the community cross borders, you can trust that doctors will be willing and happy to provide whatever assurances are needed.

Let's throw away these blanket rules that are stopping doctors fly. If you want exceptional healthcare from exceptional doctors, l say let's put an exception in place now!

---

About James Hill

James is a medical recruitment specialist. He is passionate about helping regional hospitals and practices across Australia find doctors for their permanent and locum positions.

As the founder of Prescript Recruitment, he has the practical experience of delivering an exceptional recruitment service for doctors with the result that communities everywhere have the healthcare they deserve.

James has fifteen years of working with healthcare providers, and this has given him a first-hand insight into the issues they face to attract doctors. His successful track record of filling locum and permanent positions in every State and Territory means he knows what strategies work and what don't.

Adelaide is home to the Prescript mascot Bonnie, and that is where you can find James. Borders permitting (we are all familiar with this!) James is often hopping on a plane to visit colleagues in Hobart, Sydney, Melbourne and all the remote corners of NSW.

There are three ways to contact James:

1. Call James on 0410 792 310

2. Email james@prescript.com.au 

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript’

Connect With Prescript

“I believe for you to partner with the right medical recruitment agency, that reflects your wishes and lifestyle choices, is so important. Prescript’s focus is on what matters most to you, whatever stage of your career, your location or your future plans.”

---

“Prescript are medical recruitment specialists.”

At Prescript we’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage in Australia.

Every day we’re focused on two clear outcomes - Helping hospitals find doctors that create departments and clinics that run better, have more capacity and less stress. And placing Doctors in jobs that leave them feeling highly valued, rewarded and, most importantly, enjoying what they do.

We believe that when we get these two crucial things right, it has a huge impact on the regional doctor shortage and the healthcare of communities across Australia.

There are three ways to contact us:

1. Call 1300 755 498

2. Email contact@prescript.com.au

3. Click 'Connect with Prescript'

Connect With Prescript

We’d love to hear from you!

“We’re known for helping solve the regional doctor shortage, leaving doctors loving what they do and regional communities feeling like they have the best doctors in town.”